Mark Tregilgas

Not just a pipedream

Mark Tregilgas, 28, had no previous experience in the fitness industry but with a huge amount of determination he became a personal trainer in just one year. By training with Lifetime, Mark now runs his own personal training business called 'Fitness and Motivation' in Cardiff.

Mark says: "I have always been interested in fitness. When I was a self-employed courier, I had no direction in life but I knew I could achieve so much more. It was when I was running a 10k race in February 2006 that I decided to go for it and train to become a personal trainer."

Despite having no experience in the fitness industry, Mark embarked on the diploma in personal training course as it had taught all the skills he needed to achieve his goal of becoming a freelance personal trainer. It contained the necessary modules including fitness instructing and nutrition and weight management. Like most people, Mark found the course tough at times. But the help and advice from his tutors enabled him to push himself and stay motivated.

Mark explains: "The tutors were very approachable, helpful and supportive. They not only made me understand the work required but also made me believe in myself. You could speak to them about anything - whether about the course, the company or the health and fitness industry in general. Also, it really helped that I could study for some of the course from the comfort of my own house. It meant that I could fit the studying around my previous couriering job too."

"I loved every minute of the course. The practical part was fantastic and, with the theory, the CD-ROMs were a great tool for revision - it guided me through everything from the key points through to the mini tests. My favourite part of the diploma was when we were doing the outdoor sessions and circuits. I was in my element! I hope to do more courses with Lifetime in the future. I really couldn't recommend them highly enough to anyone wanting a career in fitness."

Mark set up Fitness and Motivation in January this year and he hasn't looked back since. He is already doing almost 20 sessions per week and is on his way to becoming a full time personal trainer. Mark adds: "I don't know why the penny didn't drop earlier. I absolutely love my job. I wasn't happy with what I was doing before. I now get to meet new and interesting people and there is so much variety to my career. I especially love working outdoors with clients."

"I couldn�t have achieved my dream job without Lifetime. I've gained the knowledge and confidence to teach people how to lead healthy lives. It has opened my eyes to health and fitness. Before Lifetime, I was doing exercise the wrong way for years - Lifetime taught me how to get it right and now I can apply my expertise to other people and see them benefit."

Mark aims to keep developing his business and increasing his clientele. Initially aiming to become a personal trainer, Mark never imagined he'd achieve his goal so soon. He now hopes to develop his learning through Lifetime and train to teach ante and post natal exercise, boxercise and spinning.

Mark says: "I have no big goal to set up a health club or anything. What's important to me is that I make a good living, enjoy what I do and be fit and healthy. The fitness industry is huge right now - especially with talk of 2012 and the smoking ban. I'm happy to be part of it!"